Torn Bicep Injury - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment for Recovery

The biceps muscle is the large muscle in your upper arm that connects the upper arm, with the elbow joint, and the shoulder joint. Responsible for rotating, supinating, and bending motions in your arm, the biceps brachii is a large, thick muscle.

A torn bicep injury occurs when too much stress is placed on the tendon (or tendons) connecting the bicep muscles to the elbow or shoulder, causing it to tear. Whether it’s a partial tear or a complete tear, a torn bicep injury can be very painful and require professional treatment.

If you have pain or discomfort in the bicep area and are worried about a tear - it’s important to understand the signs and causes of a torn bicep injury so you can get the proper treatment and begin your recovery process. 

Types of bicep tear injuries

Bicep tears can happen in more places than one. The three types of bicep tear injuries are distinguished by the location or severity of the injury. 

Proximal bicep tendon tear (tear at the shoulder)

A bicep tear at the shoulder is called proximal bicep tendon tear. This type of bicep injury occurs when one of the tendons attaching the bicep to the shoulder tears. In a proximal bicep tendon tear injury, often only one of the tendons will tear – meaning individuals can often still use their arm. 

Distal bicep tendonitis (tear at the elbow)

A bicep tear at the elbow is called distal bicep tendonitis. This injury typically occurs when the elbow is pushed straight against something heavy, causing stress on the tendon and tearing it. Distal bicep tendonitis is relatively rare and is more common in men than women. 

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation in the biceps tendon caused by overuse or wear and tear and usually occurs in the long head of the biceps tendon. Tendonitis can be made worse by repetitive motion. 

Causes of a torn bicep injury

Torn bicep injuries happen when too much stress is put on one or more of the biceps tendons, causing them to tear. The two most common reasons for this to happen are injury or overuse. 

Injury to the bicep can occur when the shoulder or elbow moves or twists in an unfamiliar way – often from lifting something heavy or falling on your arm. Overuse is when the tendons wear down over time. This can happen naturally as a person ages but may be made worse by repetitive movements, as is common for people who do weightlifting, swimming, or other sports and exercises that require repetition. 

How do you know if you’ve torn your bicep?

Bicep tears often bring on immediate pain and swelling in and around the injured area. When a bicep tears, one or more tendons separate into two pieces and become frayed. This can trigger an inflammatory response which causes immediate pain and swelling. 

The most common symptoms of a bicep tear are: 

• An audible ‘pop’ sound from the shoulder or elbow

• Tearing sensation at the shoulder or elbow

• Swelling

• Bruising in the bicep area

• Weakness in the forearm, shoulder, or elbow

• Pain when turning the palm up or down

• Bulging above the shoulder 

Bicep tears can be partial or complete, and some may be able to use their biceps as usual. However, if you suspect a torn bicep injury and are experiencing any of these symptoms – it’s essential to see a professional physiotherapist as quickly as possible to ensure no further damage and tearing is done to your bicep. 

How are torn bicep injuries treated?

Depending on the severity of the bicep tear injury, treatments can vary. A physiotherapist will assess the injury and determine whether surgical or nonsurgical treatment is the best option. 

Nonsurgical torn bicep injury treatments

Nonsurgical treatment for a torn bicep injury includes rest, prescribed medication, ice, and physiotherapy exercises. In mild to moderate cases, torn biceps can heal through plenty of rest and reducing inflammation. Applying icing packs several times daily and using prescribed anti-inflammatory medication can reduce inflammation. This will promote the body’s natural healing process. 

In combination with rest and reducing inflammation, attending regular physiotherapy appointments can also aid in healing a torn bicep injury. Physiotherapy can help regain strength and range of motion in the injured area and relieve pain. A physio will take you through various exercises and provide at-home exercises when the injury is healed enough. 

Surgical treatment for torn bicep injuries

For more severe torn bicep injuries, your physiotherapist may recommend surgical treatment to repair the bicep tendon. Your physiotherapist can also suggest surgery if the injury is not healing through nonsurgical treatments. Torn bicep surgery involves reattaching the tendon to the bone. 

How long does recovery from torn bicep injuries take?

Typically, full strength and range of motion is regained in the injured bicep area after four to nine weeks, depending on the severity of the tear and the type of treatment. Nonsurgical treatment can take as little as four weeks to nine weeks, and surgical treatment can take six to eight weeks to recover. 

Recovery from a torn bicep injury takes dedication and patience. Working with a physiotherapist will help make the road to recovery as effective and pain-free as possible. 

Infinite Health offers physiotherapy services in North Sydney, Chatswood, Mosman, Hornsby, and the Sydney CBD. Our team of physios are dedicated to helping our clients treat their injuries, including torn bicep injuries, and provide targeted strategies for recovery, pain management, and prevention tips against future injuries.